It appears to be a gender specific skull protrusion as I have never seen or heard of it in women. The bony knob as reduced by burring to a smooth contour with the surrounding skull bone. Functionally it allows the head to move from side to side, up and down, as well as to rotate. The thick scalp tissues were elevated off  of the bony protrusion where it was reduced down to the level of the surrounding skull using a handpiece and large cutting burr. Additionally, what are the risk of the surgery itself? The occipital condyles are undersurface protuberances of the occipital bone in vertebrates, which function in articulation with the superior facets of the atlas vertebra. The back of the head, known as the occiput, is prone to a variety of misshapen issues. In x-rays it can clearly be seen as a dense projection of bone disrupting the convex shape of the back of the head. The amount of reduction will be limited to the thickness of the outer cortex which can be determined by measurements on a plain lateral skull x-ray or using axial 2D CT images. Most men would prefer this barely detectable scalp scar to have a smooth and rounder back of the head shape. A detailed description and pictures of your concerns allows for the most informed response. This procedure is done through a 3 to 4 cm long fine line incision either right over the knob or in a skin crease (if it exists) above or below the knob. Technically the crown of the skull is the junction of the back (occipital) and top of the head. Schedule Your Consultation Today | (866) 852-7550, Explore the fascinating world of cosmetic and plastic surgery with world-renowned double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Barry Eppley, Dr. Barry Eppley  |  January 26th, 2017  |  plastic surgery case study  |  skull reshaping. © Copyright 2020 skullreshaping.com, rights reserved. We're experts at telemedicine! Schedule your Virtual appointment now, Eppley Plastic Surgery | Plastic Surgery Web Marketing powered by Ceatus Media Group, LLC, Forehead Brow Bone and Temporal Contouring. The nuchal ridges can be flattened by burring down their prominences to a smoother contour that blends better into the bone around them. See additional information. Occipital reduction is done through a horizontal scalp incision usually located directly over the most projecting area or lower down at the nuchal ridges at the bottom of the hairline. Creating a more prominent crown to the skull is what some women do through hair camouflage techniques to make it look fuller. 2) It is an outcropping of thicker skull bone that can be reduced by a bone burring technique. A custom skull implant is ideal way to treat such shape issues that allows for the smallest incision possible to place it. The articular surfaces of the condyles are convex from before backward and from side to side, and look downward and lateralward. Disclaimer: The information contained on this website should not be construed as medical advice. Q: Dr. Eppley, I have questions about Occipital Bun Removal. Usually I will then suture the soft tissues down to the bone surface through bone holes to make sure no fluid develops between the skin and the reduced bone.